by Ian Marshall, Editor

Overall 16 players compete in each of the men’s and women’s events.

Brazil’s Hugo Calderano and the host nation’s Adriana Diaz, as the respective defending champions, gain invitations, as do two men and two women from each of the regions of Caribbean, Central America and South America.

In addition, four men and four women from North America qualify, likewise the same number gain places according to the current world ranking list for November 2019. The one remaining place in each discipline is allocated to the host nation.

Major difference

Qualification is the same as in previous years but there is one vital difference this year; just one table will be used throughout, play from the very start will be the knock-out formula, all matches being best of seven games. There will be a third place play-off match. Seeding will be as per the latest world rankings.

Thus compared with last year some minor changes are needed, Freddy Almendariz, the ITTF Competition Manager, paid a recent visit to Guaynabo where met Ivan Santos, the President of the Puerto Rico Table Tennis Federation and the Tournament Director for the Pan American Cup.

“Puerto Rico is almost ready. The assembly of the lights needs attention, since the format of the competition changed, being played in a single table in the centre of the area. It makes things easier than last year when we had two tables on the first day and we had to change quickly to one table. Once again like last year we will have a high calibre event.” Freddy Almendariz

The planned schedule is for the first round to be completed on the opening day of play, the quarter-finals on the next day; then the semi-finals, final and third place match on the concluding day.

Vital date

Deadline for confirmation of entry is Tuesday 17th December; after this date any available places will be filled by names on the reserve list

Universal 2020 ITTF Pan America Cup: Travel & Accommodation Forms

Universal 2020 ITTF Pan America Cup: Prospectus